European Union Policy Officer

Job Description

As a policy officer, you will have the opportunity to play an active role in the European Union department. You will be the driving force behind shaping the Netherlands’ position and will hold a coordinating role in which you are closely involved in the future of Europe. Your expertise and innovative ideas will truly shine in this dynamic environment.

Colleague Puck Oude Voshaar: We see current developments reflected in our work every day. As a result, your day can often take an unexpected turn. That requires flexibility, but it’s also what makes our work so varied and engaging. We are a close-knit department and work closely with colleagues in Finance, both in The Hague and in Brussels, as well as with colleagues from other departments. Job satisfaction is a top priority, which is why we also make time for socializing outside of work!

We are looking for two new staff members for the European Union Department: one for the EMU cluster and one for the Coordination, Advisory, and Strategy cluster.

In the EMU cluster of the European Union Department, you and your colleagues will work on strengthening the Economic and Monetary Union and coordinating the economic policies of EU member states. We actively contribute to discussions on financial and economic policy in Europe, such as (the implementation of) the new European budget rules, the European Stability Mechanism, and the European Recovery and Resilience Facility. For this purpose, you will regularly travel to Brussels for meetings with European colleagues. We also draft opinions on new European proposals for financial and economic policy.

In the Coordination, Advisory, and Strategy Cluster of the European Union Department, you will contribute ideas on institutional and strategic issues that affect the future of the EU. You will also play a central role in consultations with other ministries where European developments are discussed. You will support the minister in the House of Representatives during the monthly committee debate and occasionally accompany the minister on working visits abroad. You will also regularly contribute to the preparation of the monthly meetings of the Eurogroup and the Ecofin Council in Brussels. Other colleagues, meanwhile, focus on broader European themes such as climate or strategic autonomy.

At the Ministry of Finance, we have a clear, distinct role focused on ensuring the financial health of the Netherlands. In the EU Department, we contribute to this by working toward a financially healthy Europe. You translate your substantive knowledge into clear recommendations. You enjoy being part of complex European negotiations and don’t mind when a day turns out completely differently than you had anticipated. Over time, you build your own (international) network to achieve favorable outcomes for the Netherlands.

Working with us means: focusing on the substance of the work in a political environment, but always acting in the public interest. Civil servants at the Ministry of Finance work hard, but also enjoy having a laugh together. You’ll quickly be given a lot of responsibility. Collaboration is essential to achieving optimal results. You’ll work in a close-knit and dedicated team. At the Directorate for Foreign Financial Relations (BFB), you’ll have the opportunity to develop yourself, and we make time for training and growth.

Job Requirements

• You have an academic level of work and thinking and an interest in financial, economic, and European issues
• You have several years of relevant work experience (including work experience gained through a traineeship)
• You enjoy building and maintaining a broad network
• You are able to take the initiative
• You enjoy tackling multiple tasks at once and are able to keep track of everything

Terms of Employment

Salary level: Grade 11, Grade 12

Monthly salary: min. €3,662 – max. €6,320 (gross)

Employment status: Fixed-term employment contract with the possibility of conversion to a permanent contract

Contract duration: 1 year

Maximum number of hours per week: 36

Other terms and conditions of employment

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individual Choice Budget (ICB). The ICB consists of money (16.37% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the ICB, you can make choices that suit you and customize part of your employment benefits. For example, you can choose to have a portion of your monthly income paid out whenever you wish. You can also convert this budget into leave and vice versa, or spend it on tax-friendly purposes. The Dutch government is strongly committed to personal growth and career development and offers numerous opportunities for this. Secondary employment conditions include various study facilities, company fitness programs, full reimbursement of your public transportation costs for commuting, and partially paid parental leave.

Details

• To apply, please send us your resume. In addition, instead of a cover letter, we ask that you include a document in which you answer the following three questions:

1. Which European debate gets your heart racing? (maximum 250 words)
2. Can you name one talent or skill that defines you and is valuable for this position? Please provide an example. (maximum 250 words)
3. What would you like to learn or develop in this role? (maximum 250 words)

• Based on your resume and your answers to the three questions, we will invite a number of candidates for an interview. You will be notified on April 2 whether you have been invited for an interview. These interviews will take place on April 4. We are aiming for a start date in early or mid-May.
• The pay grade for this position is determined based on knowledge and experience.
• This is a 36-hour-per-week position. A 40-hour-per-week work schedule is also possible. This allows you to accrue four hours of compensatory time off per week.

Interested in applying?

The government is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive organization. Working in diverse teams makes us more effective, more innovative, and makes the work more enjoyable. Everyone is therefore invited to apply.